SEPTEMBER 2018 - Atlanta Senior Life by Atlanta Senior Life from Reporter Newspapers

Senior Life Atlanta

Learn about Medicare Part C page 22

september 2018 • Vol. 3 No. 9 | AtlantaSeniorLIFE.com

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PROFILE

road trips

Enduring Love

Spend a Day in the Past

page 10

page 14

College Seniors Older adults take to the campus PAGE 4

GARDENING

invest in next year’s garden page 16

Contents September 2018

10 4

COVER STORY

4 8

College Seniors Back to School...At 65

PROFILE Love of the Arts

MAKING A DIFFERENCE Life after a Stroke

ROAD TRIPS Party with the past

GARDENING An easy way to invest in next year’s garden

PETS Pet Pick: Winn Dixie

ROBIN’S NEST Food: It’s All Good

TECHNOLOGY Tech Ed

HEALTH Get Ready for Medicare: Part C

Atlanta Senior Life focuses on the interests, accomplishments and lifestyles of the active senior population in metro Atlanta. It aims to inspire readers to embrace a more rewarding life by informing them of opportunities to expand their horizons, express their talents and engage in their community.

PERSONAL FINANCE Ask Rusty

26 30

HOMES Inside Out

Editorial Kathy Dean Contributing Editor kathydean@atlantaseniorlife.com

OUT & ABOUT

Joe Earle Editor-at-Large JoeEarle@reporternewspapers.net

ON THE COVER Roger DePuy, left, and Peter Kruszka get ready for class at Kennesaw State University. PHOTO BY JOE EARLE

Contributors Julie E. Bloemeke, Sarah E. Brodd, Robin Conte, Wes Duvall, Russell Gloor, Judi Kanne, Clare S. Richie, Gene Rubel Advertising For information call (404) 917-2200 ext 130. Sales Executives: Melissa Kidd, Jeff Kremer, Janet Porter, Jim Speakman

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© 2018 All rights reserved. Publisher reserves the right to refuse editorial or advertising for any reason. Publisher assumes no responsibility for information contained in advertising. Any opinions expressed in print or online do not necessarily represent the views of Atlanta Senior Life or Springs Publishing, LLC.

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COVER STORY

College Seniors

Older adults take to the campus Roger DePuy, left, and Peter Kruszka on the campus of Kennesaw State University. PHOTO BY JOE EARLE

“

I found out my passion is helping people. My desire is to help people live a better life.

“ Trudy duncan

SEPTMBER 2018 | AtlantaSeniorLife.com

Life happens. I had to drop out of school, had to get a job and support Roger Depuy a family. facebook.com/AtlantaSeniorLife

By Joe Earle Peter Kruszka wanted to earn a college degree when he was younger, but, well, sometimes plans change. After graduating from high school in New York back in the 1960s, Kruszka went straight to work. He later joined the Navy, got married, raised a family and had a career working with computers. Along the way, he picked up college courses at a half dozen different schools, but never had the time to collect enough credits to earn a diploma. “I’ve been trying to finish this undergraduate degree for 40 years…,” the 67-year-old said. “Life keeps getting in the way.” No more. This fall, Kruszka is back in class at Kennesaw State University to wrap up the final college credits he needs to earn his bachelor’s degree. “It was a lifelong objective I never realized, and now, it makes me feel like I’ve accomplished something,” he said. “I’ll have a bachelor’s degree. … and I’ve been trying to accomplish this for 40 years. It’s like, ‘Yes! I finally did it.’” He’s not the only one. As college campuses across Georgia spring back to life this fall with the start of a new school year, students in their 60s, 70s and older can be expected to show up in class. They’re giving a new meaning to the term “college seniors.” Many will attend tuition free. The state of Georgia waives the cost of tuition (but not the cost of books or fees) for Georgia

residents aged 62 and older who take classes at state colleges and universities (not, however, in dental, medical, veterinary or law schools). The university system says more than 1,100 people used the waivers during the 2018 spring semester. “An older person who does not take advantage of that, you’re leaving money on the table,” said Roger DePuy, who’s 77 and who graduated from Kennesaw State in 2016 with a long-sought-after bachelor’s degree. That degree was in integrated studies. Now he’s heading back for a second bachelor’s degree, this time in political science. DePuy said he had started his studies in 1958 at a community college, but never completed a four-year degree. “Life happens,” he said. “I had to drop out of school, had to get a job and support a family.” After a career with IBM and other companies, he retired in 2012. “I didn’t need a degree, but there was always something hanging out there,” he said. “[After retirement] my wife said, ‘You ought to be doing something.’ Then I found out I could go to school for nothing. I just had to pay for books.” He tried a few courses to see whether he liked it. He did. And when he took a course taught by former U.S. Rep. Bob Barr, he was hooked. Not every older student who goes back to school is doing it just for the fun of it. Trudy Duncan, who’s 58 and lives in Stockbridge, started attending private college classes because

she wanted a new career. She’d attended business school when she was younger and had worked since the 1980s as a legal secretary. But, she said, she wanted to do more with people. This fall, she said, she plans to study for a graduate degree at Interdenominational

1,100+ Students in georgia 62 and older who took advantage of tuition waivers.

Theological Center in Atlanta. Eventually, she hopes to find work as a counselor. “Sometimes you don’t know what your true passion is,” she said. “I found out my passion is helping people. My desire is to help people live a better life.” Lois McCoy started classes at Oglethorpe University in 2015 “just for my personal advancement.” She’d completed high school in Detroit and went

to secretarial school. “I came from a large family,” the 65-yearold said. “There was no money [for college]. I went right to work as a secretary. I got married, had children.” She encouraged her children to attend college, she said, but, “as far as my personal achievement, it was something I wanted years ago, but I didn’t do, because of life happening.” But, she said, “it’s never too late.” She graduated from Oglethorpe in May with a degree in communications. “I’m very happy about it,” she said. “It’s something I wanted to achieve all these years. It’s something my parents wanted.” Being the older student in class didn’t bother her, although she there were times she had to ask her younger classmates to explain current pop culture references that turned up in a lesson. “It helped me stay on my toes,” she said. Many college professors like having older students in their classes because they bring a sense of seriousness to their studies and improve decorum in the classroom, said Kokila Ravi, director of online learning and specialized programs at Atlanta Metropolitan State College. “Their just being there makes a difference,” she said. Older students often appreciate the value of an education more than their younger classmates, she said. “Older students, because they’ve been through life, they can tell students how relevant this is going to be,” Ravi said. “We believe their just being there

“

It’s something I wanted to achieve all these years. It’s something my parents wanted. loIS mccoy

I think our presence is a true enhancement of the learning environment. The kids are great, but I think we add a elena jordan little spice. SEPTMBER 2018 | AtlantaSeniorLife.com

COVER STORY

College Seniors Continued from page 5

adds value to class. Younger students understand that if a person over 60 is coming back to class, there must be something in this.” Older students often appear more focused on learning than younger ones, she said. “They

are always in the front row,” Ravi said. “They are never in the back. They are so eager. Their lives revolve around the schoolwork. They are always ready for class. All they are talking about is schoolwork.” Plus, they bring their life

add a little spice.” Jordan says she’s working on her fourth degree. She graduated in the 1970s with a bachelor’s degree and a major in music, she said, then earned master’s degrees in computer science and business administration. She decided to go back to study Spanish, she said, after she tried learning the language by listening to tapes

“

You learn so much that you never knew. Any course you take just opens your eyes up.

experience to class. “I believe strongly that students learn from each other,” Ravi said. “I believe adult learners bring a lot to the classroom.” Kennesaw State student Elena Jordan, who’s 63, sees the same thing in her classes. “I think our presence is a true enhancement of the learning environment,” she said. “The kids are great, but I think we

olyn gee

It was a lifelong objective I never realized, and now, it makes me feel like I’ve accomplished something. Peter Kruszka

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during her daily commute and decided she preferred learning in a classroom. The biggest downside she sees for older students? All the sitting around required when in class or doing homework. Kruszka saw that returning to college as a retiree meant diving into the hard work of college studies. And campus life for the older set wasn’t the zany good times pictured in some back-to-college movies. No frat parties or wild nights out. “This is not a Rodney Dangerfield situation,” he said. That was OK with him, though. “That’s not my style.” At 71, Olyn Gee, a freshly minted University of Georgia graduate, finds college keeps him engaged as he ages. “If you’re a senior, you feel like you’re wasting your time,” he said. “[Attending college] is a great way to feel part of the community.” Gee said he spent much of his life in metro Atlanta and worked at a variety of jobs, ranging from sales to taking wedding photos. So many young couples had their portraits taken at the UGA campus, he said, that he ended up spending a lot of time in Athens. Eventually, he and his wife moved to the Athens area. When Gee found out that he could attend classes at UGA without paying tuition because of his age, he enrolled in a few. He liked them, so he kept going back for more. “You learn so much that you never knew,” he said. “Any course you take just opens your eyes up.” Eventually, he had accumulated so many class credits that he was considered a college junior. He decided to start taking the science, math and language courses he needed to fulfill the requirements for a degree. He graduated from UGA in May with a bachelor’s in political science. Completing his degree took 7 ½ years, he said. He plans to go back for more. “It’s free and it keeps you young,” he said.

At Kennesaw, soon-to-be graduate Kruszka also says he probably will be back for more in the future, too. Even after he completes work on the degree he started four decades ago, he said, he thinks he’ll keep on taking classes. But for now, he’s thinking about what he should give himself as a graduation present to celebrate finally getting his degree. After all, he said, the simple act of getting older shouldn’t slow you down. “We can’t stop just because the clock is moving on,” he said. “You’ve got to keep moving. I really believe that.”

To find out more about the state’s college programs for older students, go to gobackmoveahead.org or gafutures.org.

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COVER STORY

Back to School…at 65

A personal account of the pursuit of education

COURTESY OF TGA COMMUNICATIONS, LLC

Former Atlanta Mayor and UN Ambassador Andrew Young, speaker at Georgia State University’s August 1991 graduation, congratulates Judi Kanne on her achievement..

By Judi Kanne Why did I go back to school at age 65? You could say, “I’m a glutton for punishment.” But the truth is I love school. And earning the Bachelor of Science in Nursing was important to me. Looking back at 1975, when I was raising young children starting the long, long road to a formal education, the only DNA I knew meant “Do Not Apply.” However, by 1999, medicine was rapidly changing with new treatments and advanced research. There was a lot of talk about DNA. Personally, I knew I needed to get a handle on deoxyribonucleic acid, or the real DNA, the self-replicating material present in nearly all living organisms. But I admit, I was still working on its pronunciation.

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A little history I married at 19 — happily, and I’m still with the same guy at 75. Like many young wives, I waited until the children were in school before returning to college at 28. Ten years represented the age difference between me and my classmates in school for the sought-after RN. I was “young at heart” and the years didn’t seem to matter. The perk for me was I always had nursing students available for babysitting. That same two-year nursing degree in 1975 led to public health nursing as a part-time career following our 1981 move to Georgia. Looking at so many disparities in public health, I somehow felt the need, even then, to right all the wrongs I encountered. Later, I learned I could write about all that was wrong, and in that way, I hoped to make a difference in the lives of my readers. Credibility was important to me. Nursing placed me in the “most honest and ethical profession,” according to almost all Gallup Polls. (Only the 2001 poll placed firefighters first, and that was certainly justifiable.) At 45, I took my nursing degree credits, and about 70 credit hours from my varied junior college courses, to Georgia State University.

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And just like that, I was admitted to their journalism program.

A rusty brain? At the time, our two daughters were in college and I was ready to see what I could accomplish. My brain felt a tad rusty, but I was ready. I graduated from GSU at age 49. The students never once made me feel like I was there 20 years too late. The professors were mostly my peers and never once allowed any special privileges based on age. I recall my favorite history teacher placed an F on what I thought was a very well-written, three-page test response in a college Bluebook. His only comment was, “Nice writing, Judi, but you didn’t answer the question.” After my Bachelor of Arts degree, I contracted as a communications specialist (also known as a writer with a medical background) for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). An 11-year period of CDC contracting ensued, where I learned, lived and loved public health from some of the world’s foremost experts, including any number of career public health nurses. The CDC experience led to incredible opportunities, from international travel to assignments in CDC’s world-famous emergency operations center. In fact, I headed to Geneva, Switzerland — twice! — for projects working with some of the greatest public health minds within the Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent’s world headquarters. It was a thrilling experience, to say the least. But, I still needed help pronouncing deoxyribonucleic acid.

The final goal By the time I retired from full-time contract work at CDC, I was ready to re-enter the academic world with one last goal — a Bachelor

of Science in Nursing. Intellectually, I knew that the information I’d learned about our bodies had not changed since 1975, but technology had. And I was certain I had a lot of catching up to do. I wasn’t sure if I could still study, learn and pass exams in my 60s. I thought Clayton State University (CSU) would welcome me with open arms as I applied to their well-respected RN to BSN program. I couldn’t have been more wrong. Even with years of experience in public health, and even though because of my age I could attend with no tuition fees — it quickly became apparent no free ride for the BSN was being offered. After meeting with an advisor, I discovered CSU wanted me to complete a number of prerequisites — those dreaded “washout” courses that were not part of my original Associate Degree in Nursing, including statistics, microbiology and pathophysiology. These were far more difficult than the anatomy and physiology courses I passed in the 70s. Suddenly, I was terrified and felt very insecure. I made up my mind that I would take one course at a time. If it was enjoyable, then I would take the next step, and then the next. After all, I didn’t have to prove anything to anyone but myself. In 2012, I walked across the stage to receive my second pin in nursing with my new best nursing friends. That walk remains one my life’s highlights. If you want more information about attending college in Georgia as an older adult, go to aseniorcitizenguideforcollege.com and click on “Find Your State Tuition Waivers,” then choose “Georgia.” Or call the college or university near you and ask to speak to an advisor.

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PROFILE

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Camille Russell Love brings art opportunities to Atlanta Camille Russell Love shows artwork created by Doug Odom for the 2010 Atlanta Jazz Festival.

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About 20 years ago, Atlanta Mayor Bill Campbell recruited Camille Russell Love to work at City Hall, and she has served as executive director of the Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs since. She’s held the job for two decades and under four mayors. Campbell, who knew Love from Duke University Law School, asked Love to consider working for the Office of Cultural Affairs. She refused him twice. Then, “he put his wife on me,” she said, laughing and beaming, “and I never imagined 20 years later I would still be sitting here.” In her younger days, Love worked for IBM and travelled extensively, often internationally. During downtime on the road,

she became a “cultural tourist,” frequenting museums of art and history, performances and bookstores. “I loved to learn about where I was,” she said. Her travels and exposure to art led to an interest in art collecting. Love also began volunteering with the National Black Arts Festival, working alongside Cicely Tyson and Harry Belafonte during an event she says was life changing. When IBM announced a round of layoffs, Love faced a choice. “I just stepped out on faith,” she said. “[And I told myself] if you don’t go now you never will. I went about the business of reinventing myself.” Love combined her interest in art collecting with her upbringing. Her father was a

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politician and a public servant who helped instill the belief that life was about “looking for things to nurture the soul.” She continued to volunteer with the National Black Arts Festival, and also went into business connecting art patrons with artists. This led to her opening of the Camille Love Gallery in 1993, which she operated until 1998 when she accepted her current position. During her tenure as the city government’s top public arts director, Love has spearheaded the Cultural Experience Project, a collaboration — now in its 14th year — between Atlanta Public Schools, the philanthropic community and cultural venues. The project ensures that Atlanta school children will have field trip experiences at no cost. Last year, the project provided field trips for almost 80 percent of students in APS, or about 40,000 children. “Atlanta’s children need to know their cultural ecology, they need to know what makes up

Some of the many commendations that Camille Russell Love has received for her community work in the arts.

the cultural environment here in the city,” Love said. “We think that going on a field trip to a cultural venue is life-changing for students.” Love is also excited about the recent completion of the Atlanta Jazz Festival and the ongoing celebration of the 50th

anniversary of the Chastain Arts Center and Gallery. “We’re celebrating that we’ve managed to keep open in the community for 50 years… [and that we continue to serve in] helping the senior community re-invent themselves through access to classes and activities like

painting and sculpting.” Online class offerings cover everything from watercolor, oil and acrylic painting to ceramics, jewelry making and collage, among others. “We want to ensure Atlanta is an incubator for creativity,” she said. Love has found new opportunities to achieve that goal, including Gallery 72, a project focused on local talent, and ELEVATE, a program that, its website says, “seeks to activate the downtown Atlanta area through visual art, performances and cultural events.” Though ELEVATE offers year-round programming, October marks the annual festival. Does she see herself slowing down anytime soon? Not at all. Love not only loves and collects books — especially signed first editions by African-American women writers — she admits that she hopes to one day write one herself. “Aging is truly just a state of mind,” Love said. “I have to remind myself that I’m a senior citizen.”

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Life After a Stroke

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Kay Wolfe is a thriving entrepreneur who lives in Midtown with her husband Robert and dog Fritz. She also happened to survive a severe stroke more than a decade ago. She now uses her humor and competitive spirit “to not be beaten by this” and to inspire other stroke survivors. “I do everything that I used to do – but I do it slower and different. I am at every Clemson football game. I might have to sit in a different seat, but I will die before I miss a ballgame,”

Wolfe said. Her life journey took a detour on a typical morning in August of 2005. “Sitting at my [home office] desk early one morning, I could tell that something was suddenly very, very wrong. I knew what it was, so I called my husband immediately and said, ‘I’m having a stroke can you come home cause I’m going to have a problem here in a minute’,” Wolfe recalled. A stroke is the rapid loss of brain function from a hemorrhage or blockage in the

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brain. Symptoms can include dizziness, paralysis on one side of your body or face, and sudden and severe headaches. With prompt treatment brain cells can be saved. Every minute counts. “I knew I was at risk, because I have a brain arteriovenous malformation, a congenital birth defect that’s a bad nest of vessels in my brain. In 1998, I had a small bleed without any lasting damage,” Wolfe said. Wolfe’s husband was already en route to work so he called 911 and raced over to Northside Hospital’s Emergency Room. “We said our, ‘I love yous and goodbyes.’ As I was hanging up, I could hear the sirens and thought this is going to be fine. When I got to the hospital, it wasn’t fine,” Wolfe said. After nearly a week in ICU, she could sit up and achieve other milestones. With her medical needs stabilized, Wolfe was discharged to The Shepherd Center to start her brain injury rehabilitation. “When this happened I was

“

I do everything that I used to do – but I do it slower and different. in a dark place. I thought to myself, you can curl up in a ball and cry and die or you can live like this and see how it ends. To do that I had to work my butt off,” Wolfe said. She made progress, but developed a bad case of spasticity. Damage to her brain was blocking messages to her muscles causing her arms and legs to cramp up, like a bad charley horse. She tried Botox for two years, but that wasn’t a sustainable solution. “My muscles were always tense and flexing. I couldn’t walk, sit, dress or do anything,” Wolfe said. Her doctor at Shepherd Center suggested a relatively new technology called Intrathecal Baclofen Therapy (ITB). This required implanting

a hockey-puck sized pump, which must be refilled every five to six weeks, into Wolfe’s abdomen to release medicine into her spine. “It doesn’t make it so you can run again, but it makes it so you can have legs that are straight and bend again. Muscles relaxed enough so they can work,” Wolfe said. Without ITB, Wolfe may have ended up in a “nursing home curled up in a ball.” Instead she continued to improve. “Kay has put in the work and continues to do so with ITB Therapy, walking daily and inspiring others with her positive spirit,” Shepherd Center Chief Medical Officer Dr. Michael Yochelson said. Now they turn to her to help others along.

“When the Shepherd Center physicians and therapists have a case who’s struggling emotionally or has lots of questions – they’ll bring me in. I show how to put on a shirt. Sometimes it takes me three times. But I do it, because I will not be beaten by this,” Wolfe said. She even started a web design and digital marketing business with a former colleague. “We knew a number of small businesses that needed a website, but dang it they just want to make cupcakes, or brew beer or sell plants. So, we do that for them,” Wolfe said. Still, Wolfe is not sure what all the fuss is about and humbly wonders why we are the better for hearing her story. “I’m just doing the best I can with what I’ve got. Just because you’ve had a stroke and ended up in a wheelchair or with a limp, there may still be hope. I’m handicapped, so accept that – and how are you going to live this way?” Wolfe said.

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ROAD TRIPS

Party with the Past

Festivals that celebrate Georgia’s history By Kathy Dean Autumn in Georgia means cooler temperatures, colorful leaves and festivals. Many of those fests feature food — like Booklet, Ga.’s Peanut Festival — or spotlight the arts — such as the Dancing Goats FolkFest in Ellijay, Ga. Try something a little more unusual and consider traveling out of the city to go back in time. Here are six Georgia festivals that celebrate our history.

Ocmulgee Indian Celebration

For the past 26 years, thousands of visitors have come by to take part in this event. It’s one of the largest Native American gatherings in the southeast, bringing more than 200 craftsmen, history demonstrators, dancers, musicians and storytellers. The 702-acre Ocmulgee National Monument includes mounds and artifacts from the Native American culture amid the beautiful grounds. It’s the perfect setting for historical demonstrations by Native Americans that include warriors on horseback and living history camps. When: Saturday, Sept. 15, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, Sept. 16, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Where: Ocmulgee National Monument, 1207 Emery Hwy., Macon, Ga. 31217, about a 2-hour drive from Atlanta on I-75 S Cost: $6 for adults; $3 for ages 6-12 and military with ID; free for ages 5 and under Info: ocmulgeemounds.org

Gram Parsons Guitar Pull & Tribute Festival

Every year, thousands of people gather in Waycross, Ga., the hometown of Gram Parsons, to enjoy a music festival and honor the musician. A one-time member of The Byrds and a founding member of The Flying Burrito Brothers, Parsons is considered to be the father of country rock music. Though he died at age 26 in 1973, Parson’s musical legacy endures. The family-friendly festival invites everyone “from babies in diapers to old hippies,” according to the website, and vendors offer food and drink, arts, clothing, music and more. Twenty-seven acts are slated to appear on the festival’s two stages. This year’s headliners are Marty Stuart & the Fabulous Superlatives, Ian Dunlop and John Beland. Other musical guests include The Crabgrass Cowboys and Hickory Wind. When: Thursday, Sept. 27, 6-10 p.m.; Friday, Sept. 28, 5 p.m.-1 a.m.; Saturday, Sept. 29, 2 p.m.-1 a.m. Where: Okefenokee Fairgrounds, 2451 Knight Ave., Waycross, Ga. 31501, about a 4½-hour drive from Atlanta on I-75 S and US 82 E Cost: Advance 3-day passes available; check the website for pricing. Info: gpgpfest.com

Inman Farm Heritage Days

This is the 22nd year for the Inman Farm Heritage Days, a community event that celebrates the people, machinery and crafts that were part of life on the farm. There’s the usual festival atmosphere and offerings — food, entertainment, shopping — mingled with exhibits on farm life, such as moonshine production, a working lumber mill and sorghum syrup cooking, as well as blacksmithing and broom making. One of the highlights is a parade that features a wide range of vintage and antique tractors. When: Friday, Sept. 21, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, Sept. 22, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; and Sunday, Sept. 23, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Where: Minter’s Farm, 283 Hills Bridge Rd., Fayetteville, Ga. 30215, about a 1½-hour drive from Atlanta on I-85 S Cost: There’s no admission fee, but visitors are encouraged to purchase programs or T-shirts. Info: mintersfarm.com, or contact Stephanie (770-296-8360, stephanie@mintersfarm.com)

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Great Locomotive Chase Festival

Now celebrating its 50th year, the Great Locomotive Race Festival is named for the Civil War escapade by Andrews’ Raiders. The Adairsville Rail Depot Age of Steam Museum has displays that show the town’s pivotal role in capturing Andrew’s Raiders. Local historians are available to share information. The festival offers arts, crafts and food vendors as well as entertainment, rides and a fireworks display. When: Friday, Oct. 5, 10 a.m.-11 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 6, 9 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday, Oct 7, 12-5 p.m. Where: Adairsville Public Square, 116 Public Square, Adairsville, Ga. 30103, about a 1-hour ride from Atlanta on I-75 N Cost: $3 admission Info: adairsvillega.net

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Oliver Hardy Festival

Half of the iconic comedy duo of Laurel and Hardy hales from Georgia. Oliver Hardy was born in Harlem, Ga., and the town holds an annual celebration in his honor. There’s a parade that starts at 10 a.m., and throughout the day, visitors enjoy foods, entertainment and crafts booths, as well as Laurel and Hardy impersonators. The town’s Laurel and Hardy Museum is also worth a visit. It boasts a collection of memorabilia and regularly shows some of the duo’s films.

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When: Saturday, Oct. 6, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Where: Downtown Harlem, Ga. 30814, about a 2½-hour drive from Atlanta on I-20 E Cost: Free admission Info: harlemga.org

Catface Turpentine Festival

Celebrate Georgia’s history and learn about turpentine, once an important part of the state’s economy, and the art of turpenting, turning pine resin into turpentine using simple methods. The turpenting process results in two products: oil of turpentine, an ingredient used in paints and varnishes; and rosin, a reddish translucent substance with many uses, including waterproofing. Visitors to the Portal, Ga. festival should visit the town’s turpentine museum to hear guides share the story and history of turpentine and see displays of tools used in the collection and cooking of pine tree gum. At 10 a.m. on the day of the festival, a parade kicks off in downtown Portal and at 7 p.m., there’s a street dance, featuring the Dilligaf Country Band. Throughout the day, there’ll be rides, live entertainment, arts and crafts, cake walks and delicious foods, such as the rosin baked potato. The Portal still will be fired up during the festival and turpentine made from it will be available for sale. When: Saturday, Oct. 6, 9 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Where: Carter Turpentine Still, Portal, Ga. 30450, about a 3½-hour drive from Atlanta on I-75 S and I-16 E Cost: Free admission and parking Info: portalheritagesociety.org

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The Fun Show with Cat and Nat September 8, 2018

City Springs Theatre Company presents: 42nd Street September 14–23, 2018

Late Night Tailgate October 11, 2018

Speaker Series: Jill Chambers: Veteran Empowered Care September 22, 2018

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GARDENING

An easy way to invest in next year’s garden

Sarah E. Brodd is an Agriculture and Natural Resource Agent for UGA Extension in DeKalb County. She enjoys educating the community about horticulture and working with her great group of DeKalb Master Gardeners.

Pea Flower

Crimson Clover

Harvest time is here, which means collecting all your summer fruits and vegetables from your garden. It’s also time to make decisions about what to do with your garden for the fall season. If you spent a lot of time and labor in the heat this summer, starting all over again next year doesn’t really sound appealing. One very smart solution is to plant cover crops. Cover crops are a great way to put your garden bed to rest for the fall and winter. They help keep those evil weeds from growing in vacant beds while adding nitrogen and organic matter to the soil. After a full season of growing veggies, your soil probably needs an extra boost for next year’s bounty of vegetables. Some cover crops that grow well in Georgia are crimson clover, peas, garden rye and vetch.

■ Crimson clover is just as its name implies. It sends up shoots that eventually turn a nice crimson color. ■ Peas do double duty. They add nitrogen to the soil and you get to eat the fresh, tasty peas. ■ Garden rye is not to be confused with rye grass. What you’re looking to plant as a cover crop is cereal grain rye. ■ Vetch is a pretty, green, low-growing vine, but some gardeners consider it to be an invasive plant. Once early spring rolls around, it will be time to dig out your cover crops and prepare your vegetable beds for spring planting. You’ll want to till your cover crops into the garden beds. That way, as the cover crops break down, they will release nitrogen into the soil. After a month or so, you’ll be ready to start planting your spring vegetable garden. The cover crops will be gone and you’ll have organic matter and nitrogen in the soil, all ready to help your spring vegetables grow.

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PET S

Pet Pick Meet Winn Dixie! This 3-year-old Wire Haired Fox Terrier mix is as stunning as he is sweet. His gentlemanly demeanor and manners are sure to win you over. He arrived at the Atlanta Humane Society from a shelter partner in Louisiana, so they don’t know a ton about his background, but they do know for sure that he’ll make an excellent companion. He’s a larger guy at almost 70 pounds, and he’s currently undergoing treatment for heartworm disease at the Atlanta Humane Society. But don’t worry: heartworms aren’t contagious, and the treatment will be completed at no cost to his adopter. This good-looking guy won’t be around long, so email adoptions@ atlantahumane.org for more information or visit him at the Atlanta Humane Society’s Mansell Campus, 1565 Mansell Rd., Alpharetta 30009. Go to atlantahumane. org to find more precious, adoptable pets.

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In a perfect world, my favorite foods would have magical properties. Croissants would make my hair smooth and silky, potato chips would make me sing on key and bacon would kill germs that cause bad breath. Lo and behold, dear readers, that world has arrived! Every time I log-on, I see a new announcement splashed across the internet that a formerly forbidden food is now considered healthy. It started with chocolate…dark chocolate. Somewhere, somehow, someone discovered that dark chocolate is jam-packed with antioxidants, which of course are the superheroes of our generation, and furthermore, that dark chocolate releases endorphins, which are good for the soul. Chocolate with ice cream Robin Conte is even better for the soul, and if there is coconut is a writer and mother oil somewhere in the mix, it will kill your belly of four. Her Robin’s Nest fat as you eat it. is a multiple award-winThe happy news continues. Coffee is good ning column. She can for the muscles, red wine is good for the heart, be contacted at robinhamburger and avocadoes are good for the brain jm@earthlink.net. and beer is a probiotic. And to round things out, I will add that olive oil and garlic are good for the joints. It’s as if we’ve fallen into the Land of Oz. Pretty soon we’ll learn that apple strudel whitens teeth and pasta quattroformaggi improves your chances of winning the lottery. Why, just today, a headline appeared in the healthy living section of my newsfeed, entitled, “The Top Ten Best Foods You Can Eat.” I took the bait and clicked on the link. All the usual suspects were there — blueberries, kefir, beans, spinach—but buried in the middle were mushrooms, which gave me pause, and then, making a grand finale appearance on the list, was pork! Pork, people, PORK! Well, now we’re talking. It appeared to me that all food is trending “good for you,” so I decided to try a little experiment. I googled random foods and attached the question, “Is it good for you?” And I have discovered that (with the exception of strawberries, which we’ve been eating all wrong, but that’s another column) it’s ALL GOOD! Guided by my original wish list, I went crazy and started with, “Are croissants good for you?” I found a site which explained that, sure enough, they are! Croissants contain iron and selenium, and even though I have never in my life heard of selenium, it happens to be an essential mineral, and that is good enough for me. And take our old friend bacon, for example. I googled, “Is bacon good for you?” and up popped a post that is entirely devoted to the virtues of bacon. It’s on a website called Bacon Today, posted by Boss Hog (who else) and liked by, at last count, 24,735 humans. It is titled “Top Ten Reasons Bacon is Actually HEALTHY for You!” and it informs us that bacon is good for the brain, the heart, blood pressure, general well-being and that it can fuel your car and major industry, too. I have spent several days researching the health benefits of foodsformerly-known-as-unhealthy. I have concluded that a hamburger cooked medium well, covered with mushrooms and melted Swiss cheese, served with a side of (gluten-free) chips, guacamole and a beer, and finished with a dark-chocolate brownie a la mode is the ultimate brain-powering, endorphin-boosting, healthy meal. Plus, after you eat it, you will make all the green lights.

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A life with dementia can be well lived. Memory Care is for seniors who have Alzheimer's disease, as well as other forms of dementia. Here at The Solana East Cobb, we care deeply about memory care, so we are partnering with Dementia Action Alliance to host a special event: Hear Our Voices. Hear the voices of individuals with dementia and their care partners as they share their experiences. Local dementia consultant Barbara Leipow will speak about how learning from those who are living with dementia can be a powerful, inspiring, and supportive experience. We would love for you to come join us to learn more about memory care and understand that living with dementia and Alzheimers isn’t just about “gloom and doom.” There is a whole other side to it and we want you to hear it! Information about the event is below.

When you become a resident at The Solana East Cobb, you experience life at The Solana—no matter what type of care you may need.

Come visit us and see why we are the leading providers of innovative memory care! We consider ourselves to be specialists in the field of memory loss, and we will always make sure residents receive individualized care. With our top-of-the-line memory care programs and training, we ensure you will be living life to the fullest. Can’t make it? Visit us in person to learn more about our memory care programs. Call (770) 691-0679 to schedule an appointment!

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SEPTMBER 2018 | AtlantaSeniorLife.com

TECHNOLOGY

Tech Ed

Where to find training and support for today’s latest technology

PHOTO BY PIXABABY

As the pace of technology education increases, it becomes increasingly difficult to keep up. Just as you thought you’ve mastered the latest upgraded iPhone operating system, another one gets downloaded and you have to start all over again. New terms and concepts get thrown around and you have no idea what they mean, such as: ■ Two factor authentications ■ Mesh networks ■ Virtual private networks New devices pop up and you don’t begin Gene Rubel to know how to cope. What are “smart home” devices? Do you really need a network-based thermostat? Who is this “Alexa” that people talk to? The only way to keep up is to get educated.

Why do we need advice, training and support?

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Before we get to where to find tech education, training and assistance, it’s useful to describe the sorts of issues that you may be confronting. Here is a short description of the types of issues older adults need to confront. ■ Advice on hardware or software to purchase or use: “I need a new computer or an application. How do I make the right selection?” ■ Learning to use applications or apps: “Gmail just changed its interface and I don’t know how to use it.” “I just downloaded the Uber app on my phone but now what?” ■ In-depth training: “I haven’t used Excel in years and now I need to start fundraising for my local Animal Humane Society. I need a course in Excel quick!” ■ Equipment installation: “I just got a smart TV but I don’t know how to connect it to my wi-fi network.” ■ Specific problem solving: “How do I transfer a map from my computer to my phone?” “I have pictures on my phone and I want to print them.”

What services and support are designed specifically for seniors? Local senior centers are great places to get support that is focused on seniors. There are many senior centers located throughout the Atlanta

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metropolitan area, and they all offer courses that, among other things, provide some training in technology. For a list of area senior centers, visit atlantaseniorlife.com and click on Resources. BH Technology, bhtechgroup.org, is a nonprofit organization that offers classes and private lessons in the use of technology. Focusing primary on smart devices like the iPhone and iPad, these instructional opportunities provide a great way to learn and to meet other seniors who face the same issues that you do. Techboomers, techboomers.com, offers hundreds of courses and how to videos on almost every technology subject under the sun. These are all geared to seniors. If you can handle browsing on the internet, Techboomers is the first place to look for help.

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Resources for a more general audience Academia When it comes to technology classes, assistance will vary depending on your interests and skills. All of the colleges and universities in the Atlanta area offer courses that are suitable for seniors. There are also many internet-based organizations offering courses, some for a fee while others are free. A good place to start is Udemy, at udemy.com. If you want to learn coding, for example to develop apps, these institutions are the places to go.

Libraries Libraries offer training opportunities — and they also have books. In addition, you can use their computers to browse the internet.

Retail locations The results here are hit or miss. My experience is that the Apple and Microsoft Stores scattered in the Atlanta area do a superb job. They will provide advice on purchases and also offer group classes and individual tutorials. Cellphone stores are more problematic, and I hesitate to send folks there. Big box stores like Target, Best Buy and Costco will offer support — but be careful!

Websites The big technology companies like Apple, Microsoft, Google Amazon and the like all have extensive support components. It used to be that when you bought a device or software, you got a manual. Today, you either get a web address to get help or assistance. Sometimes the best way to start learning is to ask Google!

YouTube YouTube deserves special mention as it contains millions of videos with wonderful advice. Rather than providing written materials, you get to watch a video with the solution. A special YouTube site for technology is Tech Gumbo (Google it or search for it on YouTube.), which specializes in technology.

Other web-based sites The following sites provide newsletters, product comparisons and how-to help. You can subscribe for daily or weekly updates. ■ Dottech.org ■ Technlicious.com ■ CNet.com ■ Makeuseof.com Gene Rubel, the Digital Device Doctor, cures digital anxiety for seniors and home/home-office users. A graduate of Harvard Business School, “Doctor Gene” spent more than 30 years in international business. He can be reached at generubel@gmail.com.

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www.MansionsSeniorLiving.com Facebook.com/TheMansionsatSandySprings SEPTMBER 2018 | AtlantaSeniorLife.com

HEALTH

Get Ready for Medicare: Part C

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First question: Is it called Medicare Part C, or the Medicare Advantage Plan? Answer: It’s both. Medicare Advantage plans are sometimes referred to as Medicare Part C, according to Medicare.gov. “Part C includes Medicare-approved private health insurance plans for individuals who are enrolled in Original Medicare, Part A and Part B.” When you join a Medicare Advantage plan, you remain in the Medicare program and must continue paying your Part B premiums, according to Medicare’s rules. By now, you might be thinking that Medicare is extremely complicated. It is. “All health insurance is complicated and often opaque and impenetrable,” Phillip Moeller states in his book, “Get What’s Yours for Medicare: Maximize your coverage, Minimize Your Costs.” Keep in mind that complex questions can usually be answered by Medicare specialists and insurance brokers.

Coverage and Prevention While Medicare Parts A and B are programs operated and administered by the government, Medicare Part C may be privately administered under rules established by the government.

Judith L. Kanne, RN, BSN, BA is a registered nurse and freelance writer who lives in Atlanta. A Medicare Advantage plan includes all of your Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B coverage. And sometimes benefits include vision and dental checkups. In fact, some plans include hearing checkups, and they generally offer prescription medication coverage (or at least partial coverage). One major difference between the plans is that Part C plans generally have specific networks, which mean you will see certain doctors and go to certain hospitals within the plan’s network to get your care. In some cases, it means leaving your previous physicians behind, or paying additional fees if seeing someone out of network. For many, it is the bundling of coverage that creates the “advantage” for Medicare

SEPTMBER 2018 | AtlantaSeniorLife.com

Past coverage: Medicare Parts A & B Medicare Parts A & B were covered in the Health column published in the August edition of Atlanta Senior Life. This month, we explore Medicare Part C. Watch for information on Medicare Part D in the October Atlanta Senior Life. To review information about Medicare Parts A & B, go to atlantaseniorlife.com.

recipients. For example, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia (BCBSGa) is committed to giving consumers “high quality and affordable” healthcare services by offering four types of plans. “The BCBSGa Medicare Advantage plans vary in benefits, but some do include hearing, dental and eye exams,” said Blue Cross Public Relations Director Hieu Nguyen. Benefits differ, too. Nguyen said one plan might offer 10 days of home-delivered meals after a hospital discharge, while another might have transportation services to health-related destinations. Still another might be designed for individuals eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. “I have found that my Kaiser Advantage plan is all about prevention,” said Trisha Sinnott, director and founder of Pathway Tours in Atlanta. “I was delighted to learn that Kaiser covers healthcare when I am overseas. I recently lived in London for six months and was confident that if I had needed healthcare, I would be covered,” she said. “I also liked that Kaiser advised and provided me with most of the medications and immunizations I might need for travel to several Asian countries.” Shirley Slaton, an Atlanta native in her early 70s, also likes her Medicare Advantage Plan with Kaiser. “They really take care of seniors,” she said. Her out-of-pocket expenses are minimal, she says. “I spend around $2 to $3 dollars when I pick up three months of medications,” Slaton said. Both women talked about the convenience of going to one location for their lab, screenings and other tests. Slaton says her physicians

take time with her. For example, “When I was going through a divorce, my doctor made certain if I was under a lot of stress, I could attend a special support class, if needed.” They also offer a number of wellness classes, like weight management, she said. Take time to understand your Medicare Advantage plan’s rules and regulations. Each may charge different out-of-pocket costs and have varied rules for how you get services (e.g., whether you need a referral to see a specialist or can use only doctors, facilities or suppliers within the network). Prices vary by plan provider, so it’s worth the time to compare all available plans in your area. Your costs may differ based on the services you use and the type of plan you purchase.

When shopping for your plans, take several things into consideration: ■ If you prefer one-stop shopping, an Advantage (or Part C) plan may be the right choice. ■ If your primary care provider is someone who is not in the network and changing physicians is something you don’t want to do, you may prefer Parts A and B only. ■ Look closely at costs. ■ Lastly, only you can decide if you want to combine Part D (the drug or medication plan) with Part C. That, too, can be a Part C option.

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What About Changing Plans? Not everyone is happy with their Medicare Advantage plan. But being unhappy doesn’t give anyone the right to switch at any time just because they want to. Several time periods are designated for changing plans, according to Medicare.gov. These include the following:

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■ Annual open enrollment period (Oct. 15 to Dec. 7): Coverage in PHOTO BY RAWPIXEL ON UNSPLASH the new plan begins Jan. 1. ■ Annual disenrollment period (Jan. 1 to Feb. 14): This specifically gives you the opportunity to switch from a Medicare Advantage plan [back] to the original Medicare (but not to a different Advantage plan). If you drop your plan in January, coverage in original Medicare begins Feb. 1; if you drop it in the first two weeks of February, coverage begins March 1. Certain circumstances can affect your flexibility to change plans. For example, you may be able to switch to another type of coverage, such as a different Medicare Advantage plan or original Medicare. It’s best to check Medicare. gov to see what your circumstances allow.

This is general information to help older adults begin learning about Medicare. For specific and personal information, contact Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048.

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One Good Deed matches volunteers with older adults, bringing friendship and joy. Call (678) 978-1249 or email onegooddeed@jfcsatl.org today to find out how you can get a friendly volunteer to visit you. Aviv Older Adult Services Jewish Family & Career Services

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BENSON MANOR A Retirement Housing Foundation ® Community

Benson Manor is a 76-unit affordable senior housing community designed with stone and sturdy wood-like siding. Each apartment is approximately 540 square feet. Benson Manor is conveniently located close to shopping, churches, medical facilities, and a major bus route. Residents must be 62 years of age or older. Some units have special features for mobility and sensory impaired persons. Income limitations are determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Residents pay 30 percent of their adjusted income for rent. Gross income must not exceed $24,400.00 for one person and $27,900.00 for two persons.

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I’m approaching my full retirement age and about to apply for my Social Security benefits, but I would like to time receipt of my payment to the first of the month when I make out my bills. I’ve asked a number of friends when they get their Social Security and each one seems to have a different answer, so I’m wondering if I can specify when I apply what date I want to get my payment. Also, though some of my friends get their payment by check, I’d really like to have mine deposited directly into my bank account. Can this be done?

Signed: Newbie to Social Security Dear Newbie: Well, I’m sorry to disappoint you, but you don’t get to choose when you receive your Social Security benefit payment. Rather, it’s determined by Social Security’s payment schedule, which is now normally based upon the day of the month you were born. I say “normally” because there are certain exceptions which need to be explained.

Social Security’s payment schedule prior to May 1997 was that all OASDI (old age, survivor & disability insurance) payments were processed on the 3rd day of every month. But in May of 1997 a new payment schedule for newly enrolled OASDI beneficiaries was enacted so that anyone who applied for benefits on or after May 1, 1997 received their payment on either the 2nd, 3rd or 4th Wednesday of the month, depending upon which day of the month they were born. People born between the 1st and 10th of the month are now paid on the 2nd Wednesday, those born between the 11th and 20th are paid on the 3rd Wednesday, and those born after the 20th are paid on the 4th Wednesday. Those whose benefits started prior to May 1997 are grandfathered into their original benefit payment date of the 3rd of each month. To somewhat complicate matters, people who receive both SSI (Supplemental Security Income) and OASDI benefits also receive their OASDI benefit payment on the 3rd day of every month and there are a few other obscure conditions which might cause OASDI payments to be made

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on the 3rd. So you can see why you may encounter people who receive their benefits at different times, but the normal is now based upon the day of the month you were born. It’s important to also note that anytime a payment date falls on a weekend or Federal holiday, the benefit will be processed on the first business day preceding the weekend or holiday. Now the easy part: Yes, you can choose to have your benefit automatically deposited into your bank account instead of receiving a printed check. In fact, the Social Security Administration encourages direct deposit and allows you to easily set that up during the online benefit application process.

The information presented in this article is intended for general information purposes only. The opinions and interpretations expressed are the viewpoints of the Association of Mature American Citizens (AMAC) Foundation’s Social Security Advisory staff, trained and accredited under the National Social Security Advisors program of the National Social Security Association, LLC (NSSA). NSSA, the AMAC Foundation and the Foundation’s Social Security Advisors are not affiliated with or endorsed by the United States Government, the Social Security Administration or any other state government. Furthermore, the AMAC Foundation and its staff do not provide legal or accounting services. The foundation welcomes questions from readers regarding Social Security issues. To submit a request, contact the foundation at ssadvisor@ amacfoundation.org.

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SEPTMBER 2018 | AtlantaSeniorLife.com

HOMES

Inside Out

Design trends extend homes into the outdoors

MOSAIC DESIGN+BUILD

By Kathy Dean One of the joys of living in Atlanta is the climate — plenty of warm weather, a long growing season and short, mild winters. Residents can enjoy the great outdoors for much of the year, especially when they don’t need to leave the comfort of their homes. Many Intown homeowners are choosing to simply extend their homes into the outdoors.

Outdoor Living Rooms “The screened-in porch has become a screened-in living room,” said Mark Fosner, Architect/Owner, Moon Bros. Inc. Architects & Craftsmen. “It has become like any other room in the house,” he said.

“There are lots of products on the market to make it great, and it can become anything you want. Some people extend the décor of their home, while others get playful and do something very different.” “Outdoor grills and kitchens are currently popular due to the extended outdoor season we have here in Atlanta,” said Rick Goldstein, Owner and Registered Architect, MOSAIC Design+Build. “We’re finding more and more creative ways to extend the indoors outside, whether by paver or stone patios, spas, covered and screened porches and even pergola shade structures.” Goldstein said that Intown properties can sometimes have smaller lots, which

SEPTMBER 2018 | AtlantaSeniorLife.com

require more careful design and planning. “Outdoor living rooms seem to be one of the most popular spaces we design and build. But they take special skills and experience to do right.” He explained that some of the issues that designers need to understand are how to integrate the design with the house, proper lighting, structural considerations, building codes and zoning restrictions and the proper materials to create a long lasting, low maintenance beautiful space. Fosner said that homeowners are looking for higher-end finishes for their porches. “For example, the flooring is more like what you find on

the home’s interior,” he said. Options include high-end, exterior-grade carpeting and specially-treated woods stained in natural, deeper tones. “We also light the screenedin living rooms as we would the interior of the home, with different levels of lighting,” Fosner continued. “Lamps give pools of light closer to the floor, while soft, indirect lighting along vaulted ceilings heighten the room and add a soft glow at night.” Perimeter lighting, pendant lighting, sconces and chandeliers are a few more ways to incorporate light, drama and character. Higher-end furniture like couches and chaises — and more of it — bring additional comfort to the screened-in

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living rooms. “We always do a furniture layout for our clients,” he said, “and cabinetry for storage, a little or a lot,” depending on the clients’ needs. “Some people like to include refrigerators to make it convenient to get a cold drink or snack,” Fosner said, “while others opt for entire kitchenettes so they can have all the fun of cooking outdoors while under a roof.” Goldstein agreed that while the trend for covered porches and cabanas with fireplaces has been on the increase, “they’re not always screened and are usually part of a more extensive backyard makeover. These outdoor spaces usually are combined with an extended patio for entertaining and grilling,” he said. “Several

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recent projects have also combined a pool to create a complete backyard oasis.” He added that outdoor kitchens are perfect for entertaining and can create a great area to engage the chef while grilling. “Outdoor fireplaces have maintained their popularity here in Atlanta and are a wonderful way to create memories,” Goldstein said. “There’s nothing like sitting outside on a chilly night by the crackling of the logs burning in the outdoor fireplace!” Randy Glazer, Owner, Glazer Design & Construction said that he too sees a lot of interest in outdoor kitchens and fireplaces, especially gas fireplaces. Continued on page 28

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HOMES

Inside Out Continued from page 27

“Nana doors are also in high demand,” he said “Essentially, they’re folding glass doors that open up the living space to the outdoors.” The bifold doors come in a variety of styles. According to Fosner, one of the big benefits of outdoor fireplaces is that they extend the usefulness of the screened-in living room. “With a fireplace, there are more opportunities to use the room on chilly days.” Infrared heating is another way to achieve the same thing, he noted. Fosner said that he is sometimes asked to include panels that can be added or removed over the screening, so the room is usable year-round. “We can do that, but it’s easier to accept that there are times you can’t use the room, like during the heavy pollen season or the dead of winter,” he advised. MOON BROTHERS

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homeowners like the concept of the traditional English garden, but they tend to want a tidier version of it. Water features remain popular, and there are a lot of options these days. Lavallee said that Plants Creative recently custom-designed a water feature for a client that was 18 feet long by 12 inches wide with 17 bubblers, all LED lit and self-adjusting.

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“Putting up the panels is difficult and time-consuming. No one does it more than once.”

Environmentally Friendly Landscapes Tastes in landscaping are making some shifts as well. Joe Lavallee, Design-Build Manager with Plants Creative Landscapes, said that the Intown area has seen some very definite trends over the last five years. The company is based in Decatur and serves the Intown community. Lavallee reports a strong trend moving toward organic and pollinator plants for landscaping. “People want to incorporate plants that are beneficial to the environment,” he said. He explained that Decatur

became Georgia’s first Bee City USA in July 2016. Currently, there are 70 Bee Cities across the U.S, seven of them in Georgia, including Atlanta and Decatur…or “Beecatur,” as Lavallee calls it. “Many of our clients want pollinator gardens to feed the birds, bees and butterflies,” he said, adding that Plants Creative has a variety of plants that attract bees, including Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia), a brilliant blue flowering pollinator. Russian Sage also fits with the other growing trend of using edible ornamentals in gardens. Some other choices include rosemary, thyme and blueberry shrubs, all which add beauty and culinary usefulness. “Fruit trees are making a comeback, too,” Lavallee said. He explained that many

“We start by presenting design ideas to the client,” Lavallee said. “And we’re the one primary contact. We handle everything from attaining the work permits to bringing in any sub-contractors that may be needed. We see the project through to completion.” And beyond. Plants Creative also offers maintenance services to keep the landscaping healthy and looking good.

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SEPTMBER 2018 | AtlantaSeniorLife.com

►Out & about The Arts The Music of Led Zeppelin and The Who

Saturday, Sept. 15, 8-10 p.m. The Georgia Players Guild continues their 2018 season with the music of two iconic musical groups — Led Zeppelin and The Who. There’s quite a show in store, so don’t miss this tribute. General admission advance purchase tickets are $20. Earl & Rachel Smith Strand Theatre, 117 N. Park Square, Marietta 30060. Go to earlsmithstrand.org or call 770-293-0080 for tickets and information.

Author Talk + Signing: Eli Saslow

Thursday, Sept. 20, 7:30 p.m. A Prologue to the 27th Annual Book Festival of the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta presents Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter Eli Saslow. He discusses his powerful story of how a prominent white supremacist changed his heart and mind in Saslow’s book “Rising Out of Hatred,” an intensely personal saga of a man who disavowed everything he was taught to believe at a tremendous personal cost. Cost is $18, $13 for MJCCA members. Morris & Rae Frank Theatre, MJCCA, 5342 Tilly Mill Rd., Dunwoody, 30338. For more info, visit atlantajcc.org or call 678-812-4002.

There’ll be food, entertainment and prizes. Golfers will be greeted with goody bags and each golf cart will be equipped with a 20th anniversary bottle of bubbly. Participants will also receive food along the course from restaurant partners like Pasta Vino and Taco Mac; Titos and Patron will serve drinks. For more information and to register, email northatlantad658@bellsouth.net or call 770-772-8000. Learn more about NADT at northatlantadance.com.

59th Annual Atlanta AAUW Bookfair

Runs from Monday, Sept. 24 – Sunday, Sept. 30. The American Association of University Women (AAUW) offers more than 75,000 gently used books for sale at bargain prices. Proceeds are donated to scholarships and community projects, offering opportunities for women and girls. The week-long event will be held at Perimeter Mall, 4400 Ashford Dunwoody Rd., Atlanta 30346. For hours and other details, visit bookfairaauw.org.

Health & Wellness Falls Prevention Workshops

Music in the Park

Saturday, Oct. 6, 7 p.m. The Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra opens it 2018-2019 season with a free concert at the Newtown Park Amphitheater. Enjoy a free concert of American music, including selections from Sousa as well as Broadway and jazz. Mark Burkhalter Amphitheater at Newtown Park, 3150 Old Alabama Rd., Johns Creek 30022. More info is available at johnscreekga. gov. For information about the Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra upcoming concerts, go to johnscreeksymphony.org.

Community NADTee It Up Golf Tournament

Sunday, Sept. 23, registration at 1 p.m.; shotgun start at 2 p.m. The public is invited to attend this fundraiser for the North Atlanta Dance Theatre, a Johns Creek non-profit that’s celebrating its 20th year.

SEPTMBER 2018 | AtlantaSeniorLife.com

Tuesdays, Sept. 18 & 25. Sept. 18 at 10 a.m.; Sept 25 at 11 a.m. Every year in Gwinnett County, there are over 3,400 visits to the ER by residents age 55 and older due to falls. Serious falls are not an inevitable part of aging. Learn how to protect yourself. The Gwinnett County Public Library has partnered with the county’s fire and emergency services department and the Georgia Department of Public Health for these workshops. Sept. 18 at Centerville Senior Center, 3025 Bethany Church Rd., Snellville 30039; Sept. 25 at Norcross Senior Center, 5030 Georgia Belle Ct., Norcross 30093. To learn more, visit gwinnettpl.org or call 770978-5154.

Wellness for Healthy Aging Seminar

Tuesday, Oct. 9, 6:30 p.m., doors open at 5:45 p.m. WellStar Health System offers Wellness for Healthy Aging, programming that provides people 50 and older with the tools to make lifestyle enhancements for healthy aging and living a life well-lived. The topic for October is Sleep Apnea. In addition to a keynote speaker, educational materials and giveaway items, participants will also enjoy a healthy dinner, dessert and complimentary valet parking. Registration is required; registration fee is $10. WellStar Atlanta Medical Center South, Auditorium (Ground Level), 1170 Cleveland Ave., East Point 30344. Call 770-956-STAR (7827) to register.

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Learn Something

Festivals Fall Is for Planting

Tuesdays, Sept. 11 & 25, 6:30 p.m. In partnership with Gwinnett County Extension, Gwinnett County Public Library presents Timothy Day, Gwinnett County Extension Agent, as he explains proper techniques for planting and maintaining landscapes, trees and shrubs in the fall. The Sept. 11 workshop will be held at Gwinnett Library’s Suwanee Branch, 361 Main St., Suwanee 30024; the Sept 25 workshop will be at Collins Hill Branch, 455 Camp Perrin Rd., Lawrenceville 30043. Reservations are requested and can be made by emailing events@gwinnettpl.org. For more info, visit gwinnettpl.org or call 770-978-5154.

Frogs of Cobb County

Friday, Oct. 5, 10-11:30 a.m. Mike Kahle with Cobb County Watershed Stewardship presents a slide show about local species that includes recordings of what each of the 15 species found in Cobb County, Ga. sound like. Free, but registration is required. East Cobb Senior Center, 3332 Sandy Plains Rd., Marietta 30066. Call 770-5094900 or visit cobbcounty.org for more info.

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Heritage Sandy Springs Festival

Saturday, Sept. 22, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. & Sunday, Sept. 23, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Presented by Heritage Sandy Springs, the festival has grown from a small picnic to a major event drawing over 20,000 attendees. Visitors enjoy two days of art, live music and entertainment, a Chalk Walk Art Competition, gourmet and festival food, and classic rides. There’s also a 10K and 5K race as well as a pet parade. Admission is free. The festival has more room for fun at the beautiful new City Springs property at 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs 30328. For more info, visit heritagesandysprings.org.

52nd Annual Roswell Arts Festival

Saturday, Sept. 15 & Sunday, Sept. 16, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Presented by the Roswell Recreation Association, an all-volunteer group, the festival raises funds to benefit the city’s Recreation & Parks programs. Fine Arts, original crafts, entertainment and children’s activities will be presented, and a variety of food trucks will be on site to satisfy hungry appetites. Historic Roswell Town Square, 610 Atlanta St., Roswell 30075. Find out more at roswellartsfestival.com.

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